Description / Abstract:

To ensure success in design of elastomeric parts for use at low
temperature, the design engineer must understand the peculiar
properties of rubber materials at these temperatures.

There are no static applications of rubber. The Gaussian theory
of rubber elasticity demonstrates that the elastic characteristic
of rubber is due to approximately 15% internal energy and the
balance, 85%, is entropy change. In other words, when an elastomer
is deformed, the elastomer chain network is forced to rearrange its
configuration thereby storing energy through entropy change.
Thermodynamically, this means that rubber elasticity is time and
temperature dependent (Reference 25).

The purpose of this report is to provide guidance on low
temperature properties of rubber with the terminology, test
methods, and mathematical models applicable to rubber, and to
present some practical experience. In this way, it is hoped that
mistakes can be avoided, particularly in selection of rubber
materials, enabling the design engineer to weigh lowtemperature
material properties together with the many other factors involved
in the design process.